Sleep Apnea Treatment

How do oral appliances work?

Oral appliance therapy involves a device you wear during sleep. There are many different types of appliances available. Your dentist or oral appliance therapist will prescribe the best one to correct your problem. Most appliances work by holding the jaw forward to keep the upper airway open. If you snore, or experience obstructive sleep apnea, the device will make it easier for you to breathe normally as you sleep.

Which type of oral appliance is most effective?

It really depends on your needs and the cause of your sleep disturbance. Your Long Wharf Dental Group dentist will give you a thorough examination to determine the best oral appliance or other solution for your problem. Afterward, he or she will discuss the options available to you.

If an oral appliance is determined to be an effective treatment method, your dentist will prescribe a custom-fitted device, which will be designed by a qualified oral appliance therapist. The therapist will select the best device from the many FDA-approved ones available. Most oral sleep appliances are covered by health insurance.

What should I expect from treatment?

Oral appliance therapy can be highly effective in the treatment of snoring and other sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea. Once it’s fitted and properly adjusted, you should find your custom device highly effective.

Where to get an oral sleep appliance

Your Long Wharf Dental Group dentist will help you find the most effective treatment for your sleeping problem based upon a proper examination. If an oral sleep appliance is the right solution, your dentist will go over treatment details and explain the benefits. You will also be made aware of potential costs and possible side effects. Once you agree to treatment, you will be given a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw, and airway. In some cases, X-rays may be required to determine which oral appliance will be the best choice for your needs.

What does an oral appliance fitting involve?

Impressions will be taken of your mouth so that a physical model can be made of your teeth. This ensures a comfortable fit and good results. The model will then be sent to our lab, where our technician will design an oral appliance to the exact specifications.

On a following visit, you will be fitted with your new device, and the necessary adjustments will be made. Before you leave, our staff will instruct you on the proper use and care of your new appliance.

Long-term oral appliance therapy.

Ongoing care includes regular visits to make sure you’re getting the greatest results from treatment. Let your dentist know if you experience any problems with fit, comfort, or effectiveness. He or she will make the appropriate adjustments. You may require more than one visit to get an exact fit, but once the appliance is working effectively, and you’re comfortable using it nightly, you should need only annual re-assessments.

How long will it take to experience the benefits?
Once your appliance has been properly fitted and adjusted, you should notice immediate relief for snoring and OSA. With proper use and care, your oral sleep appliance will deliver many nights of refreshing, restful sleep. You may also notice an improvement in your general health as a result.